Tools for Women they need.

Updated on April 3, 2015

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Don't Be Home Without Them!

Tools for Women

by George Bogosian

What should every self respecting woman have in her toolbox? Even if you’re not the one doing the home repairs, it’s important that the tools are useful and not just a home tool box full of moderately useless tools! Ok ladies, (and any guys who are a little behind on their tool procurement) we’re going to recommend tools that any full fledged handyman would be proud to have at her/his command. Now, you don’t have to have skill with using these tools (but I know many of you do) but having them ready for an emergency or needed repair will improve your standing within your adoring person’s eyes. Please don’t misinterpret this as a condescending writing for women. I know you’re smarter than men, but you may be a bit challenged on tool knowledge. I want to encourage women who have felt that tools are a mystery best left up to men….to remove that concept. Or maybe you’re with someone who has a minor to non existent tool dyslexia.

You get credit just for owning them and having them available; use is optional!

Why is this important, well, who wants to be known as a tool “know nothing” person? Any takers on that concept? Want to impress that possible boyfriend or just useful friend; here’s an insider tip: have a set of screw extractors in the tool box. (Any sexual implications reside in your mind only)Trust me, screw extractors for removing broken off screws should score you points, if needed.... most folks don’t have these handy.

Now this tool box doesn’t need to be full of expensive tools; just tools with a level of quality that are useful. (Factoid: the less experience you have…. the easier it will be if you use good tools) I’ll include the must have tools, to the tools to impress the most experienced repair person. As with all things other options are available; but I’m including tools that will work for you and/or others. I’m not including “home owner” tool kits because most of them provide you with inferior tools that will become useless in a short time.

If the smartly pants are still reading… stop!

This is for beginners on the tool journey and we’d like to be left alone to learn a little something about tools without the snickering in the background. Thank you very much!

So let’s start with a tool box. Gotta have one of these! I’m going to use Amazon to show you the tools…. but you can purchase these at other stores or outlets. Now this is not a mechanics tool box with sliding drawers; that’s another topic for another time. I’m not going to recommend a $9 plastic tool box; we’re going to step up a level to something more useful. One with a place on top for various tacks, nails, screws is better. I’m recommending a box like: a Stanley 016011R Series 2000 16-inch tool box or a step up or the Homak 19 inch BK00119005 plastic box.

Ok, the hammer needs to be 16 oz. If you also need a tack hammer you can purchase one of those. One won’t do the job of the other…effectively.

Screw drivers should be purchased as a package deal. Cheap sets will not hold up and the ends will dull and be ineffectual in a short time, probably just when you need it to work for you. Here are a few options:

A pair of channel locks. They are very useful in various situations and I find them invaluable because they adjust from smaller to larger objects. They somewhat replace the standard pliers....but a plier set is also good to have in the box.

A set of screw extractors to impress friends….and that you may never use, but boy…. if you need them, you’ll be ready. A “stud finder” to impress the neighbors can be useful. (no reference to males is intended here) It’s handy for hanging a picture and being able to find a wood stud behind the sheetrock walls.

Purchase a box of mixed nails, tacks and assorted fasteners. They are also available in small individual plastic containers. Choose ones that look useful to you. A variety of 4 or 5 will be a good start. Remember that most small home repair projects require a minimum of 2 to 3 trips to the local hardware store just to find the exact item you need. It never seems to be in the tool box or odds and end drawer. You’ll need some wire for fixed it projects of unknown origin. And no self respecting tool box is complete without duct tape and a can of WD40. Other items you’ll need are a 12-16 foot tape measure, a retractable razor knife, and stuff you’re just drawn to or think you’ll need. If you’re now feeling confident… purchasing a battery powered drill and drill bits is the next step. Between $50 and $100 will get you a homeowner battery drill set that functions well. Don't purchase one of those small units.....yet!

These women know tools.

Tools are gender free.

Please don’t purchase cheap tools, they cost too much in the end and often don’t do the job. Quality tools will last a lifetime and you’ll only have to replace the ones you lose! Just because you’re not a professional doesn’t mean you can’t have great tools. It really does make a difference; purchase good tools! Enough said. Let the repairs begin!

Comments 6 comments

I would say whether you're man or woman, you must get yourself a set of tools for emergency especially if you're staying alone. Some basic equipments can save you money and time, the most important is save your house from masses if not fix immediately.

bigocean 5 years ago from New England Author

Margaret,

Hello, and all this time I just thought tools were just simply, cool, awesome, interesting....oh ya, and occasionally useful! But you're right...you gotta have them!

Helen 5 years ago

I think the most important tool in the tool box is the pipe sealant tape. As frequently we use the shower pipe and the joint between the pipe and shower head get loosen, we need the sealant to cover the loosen part.

bigocean 5 years ago from New England Author

Helen,

I see you are a skilled repair person...and the tape is not as messy as the "paste" sealants...but both work very well in stopping those kinds of threaded pipe leaks. Give 3-5 turns around the threading with the tape.

Erin 5 years ago

Over the weekend my boyfriend put the finishing touches on putting a wood stove in my living room. The only problem was that a screw broke off of one of the plates that goes on the stove, I had a screw extractor, so the crisis was averted! A very useful tool indeed...

bigocean 5 years ago from New England Author

Erin,

My oh my, a screw extractor tool used...and I thought it was one in a million chance I'd hear from someone who actually had one...and used one! I'm speechless!...and delighted it worked out! (pun intended) Tool on girlfriend!